Introduction of New StaffMelissa Mewhinney was introduced to Staff Assembly. Melissa is the new web application developer in Communications and Marketing. Welcome, Melissa!

WFT Program UpdateMarie Price gave us an overview and update of Workforce Training. The unduplicated head count for fall 2011 at Workforce Training was 6,298. Workforce Training serves the community with lifelong learning; many Workforce Training students go on to NIC or come here later for select classes. Workforce Training class fees cover the cost of the course and administrative costs; they are not tax subsidized.

Community Education, which are the short-term, not for credit classes such as art, cooking and photography

Customized Training to upgrade job skills, working directly with companies to provide specialized training and often working in partnership with NIC professional-technical instructors. One example of this was providing training to laid-off miners in the Silver Valley to have them certified in a new skill set and pave the way to re-employment in another field.

Workforce training does offer some financial assistance through the Albertson Foundation scholarships, Idaho Community Foundation scholarships, the Workforce Investment Act and Veteran’s benefits. For more information on scholarships, you can call or come in to Workforce Training.

Marie announced there would be a tour of the new Graphic Design and POST facilities that have moved to the Kaniksu Building across the street immediately after the meeting today.

Information/Updates:

Staff Appreciation Awards:Erin announced that nominations for the annual Staff Appreciation award will be accepted starting March 21st via the Staff Assembly website. Nominations will be accepted for 3 weeks and the final decision will be made by the Awards Committee, which includes three past winners, a Foundation Board member and a student. Our awards include the Rising Star (benefits eligible employee, 3 years or less), Part-time, Staff Excellence, and Outstanding Service to College Community.

Senate Update:Erin updated us that the IT policy, “Rules of Acceptable Use and Privacy” and e-mail policy passed Senate and will go to the Board this month. Staff Sabbatical Policy goes to Senate this month; this policy will allow an employee granted sabbatical to leave their normal job duties to work toward an advanced degree or certification program, complete courses, work or travel to keep staff members abreast of the latest developments in their field, or pursue new or advanced training that will benefit both the staff member and the college.

Presidential Search Update:Jon Totten, Sarah Garcia and Lita Burns are the staff representatives on the search committee. The committee is working diligently this week, reviewing an impressive number of highly qualified candidates and by March 8th will make their recommendations as to which candidates will be invited to campus interviews.

Ed Corridor Construction UpdateGarry noted that we are finishing the landscaping in the Ed Corridor. Lake City Development Corporation is starting Phase 1B of the Ed Corridor project the first week of April, punching River Avenue through to Northwest Boulevard. The Help Desk remodel will wrap-up soon, and this summer we will begin work on the new gym floor which was an approved DPW project. The proposed art work for the roundabouts has been narrowed down to four models and the committee will meet next week to discuss.

United Way UpdateTeresa Henderson announced that a book/DVD sale to benefit United Way will be next Tuesday in the SUB from noon to 2:00; you can drop-off donations for the sale in HR, Sherman Building, Room 108. Wednesday is Pi Day--walk 3.14 km and have a piece of pie for a dollar donation!

Employee Giving UpdatePam Noah thanked everyone for their support of the Employee Giving Campaign which just wrapped up in February. For 2012 we had 251 employee participants, which was a 59% increase in participation. Thank you!

Shout-OutsShout-outs to acknowledge appreciation and a job well done went out to: